Light colored woods tend to be softer, most military rifles are stocked in walnut or birch, and then coated in linseed oil for a matte finish. You don't want a shiny weapon giving away your position.

I guess dark colored wood is more resistant to battle conditions.

Snapped a picture of my pig stickers:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/P8030826.jpg

Left:

Swedish M/96 (fits the M/38 Mauser)
Japanese Type-30 (fits both Arisakas)
British No.4 Mk.I*
British P'13 / US M1917 (fits the Enfield P14 and Trench Gun - neat in that it has both US and British markings, making it a British contract overrun that was restamped for US service)
Canadian Ross Mk.III
Australian P'07 (fits the SMLEs)
British P'88 (fits the RIC carbine and long Lee-Enfield)

Right:

Russian M91/30
US M7 (fits the Garand)
French M1886 "Rosalie" (fits the Lebel and Berthier rifle)
Canadian C7A2 (ok, technically that one's public property...)
Italian M1891
German S88/05 3rd Pattern (fits the Kar 98K)
spare British P'88

Handy set of wire cutters on the C7A2 bayonet and sheath.

Problem is the blade faces in when you're not doing it, and that blade is not dull. Cutting wire isn't easy, I'm afraid if I ever actually had to use it, it might slip and cut up my fingers. Makes a hell of a field knife though.

On the plus side, it's not like the Taliban use concertina wire.

Yep, and wire cutters definately won't save you from a car bombing or a suicide bomber. Unless.... :D

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...3/P8100834.jpg

Enough 1911s for you? I'm also looking at a Para-Ordnance Canadian Forces special, got until the end of September to put in my order.

Come on guys, we're Americans, damnit! We can't let a Canadian have a better assortment of 1911s than us!

Just kidding. :D That is one beautiful set of pistols.

Well, if it makes you feel any better, the 1911 is a British contract gun, and the Remington Rand was probably a lend-lease gun.

I notice just about all British 1911s have the lanyard loop on the magazine base plate. Any particular reason they preferred that style?